Tobey Maguire Will Get $50M For Spiderman 4 and 5, Time Off To Be Daddy

Posted by Josh Radde (josh@filmschoolrejects.com) on September 16, 2008

Toby Maguire in Spiderman 3

Tobey Maguire will be donning the red, blue, and black suit once again as Spider-Man, except this time, there’s a catch. Spider-Man 4 and 5 will reportedly be shot back-to-back and because of a potentially grueling schedule, Tobey got a clause worked in to benefit being a father.

According to Times Online, the star will receive $50 million to do the two sequels and has requested that he get mornings and early evenings free so that he can spend time with his not-yet 2 year-old daughter Ruby Sweetheart. Sony’s Amy Pascal stepped in and granted the free-time, being a parent herself, after initial concerns that ALL actors would want to take time to be with their families.

On one hand, good for Tobey; he knows he’s in a comfortable situation and is taking advantage of it. These movies will no doubt gross a ton of money worldwide, and Tobey is the face of this movie franchise. He got the big paycheck and got the studio to sign off on something they normally wouldn’t. Besides, it’s not Tobey’s fault that Spider-Man 3 was such a blunder. Yes, he was hammy and looked lazy, but that was because the script was horrible and Sam Raimi seemed to lose control over his own vision. Seeing Tobey in the costume is worth an easy $50 million to Sony, even if he only has to put in a 9-5. It could be time for his stuntmen to put in some more hours.

On the other hand, this really could set a precedent. Some Hollywood couples take turns when it comes to raising the children and then acting. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard have a situation where one goes out to act and the other stays in with the child that they have (whose name, if hyphenated, would be Gylenhaal-Sarsgaard . . . talk about some awkward double-a’s in one name). You figure if anyone would need the time to spend with their kids it would be Angelina Jolie who just had twins.

At the end of the day, though, it really doesn’t matter. If you’re a fan of Spider-Man you’ll be happy to know that Tobey’s demands are being met and there should be no reason for him to be upset on set or give a lazy performance. Personally, I think it’s time for a new Spider-Man. I’m generally against re-casting, but I think he peaked during Spider-Man 2. It would be interesting to see how a new actor would handle the role, especially since it now appears doubtful that Kirsten Dunst will return as Mary Jane Watson.

Spider-Man 4 and 5 will be filmed next year.

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Iron Mongbeans

All I gotta say...Make sure the script is good.
Maybe we can add Spiderman in The Avengers movie as a cameo or other character in the Spiderman franchise at least Black Cat or Kraven?

Sujit

It will be interesting to see Felicia Hardy/Black Cat in one of the sequels. And maybe a new black costume like the one in comics.

Davebaxter1989

I was kinda hoping for James McAvoy as Spiderman...

Sawyer

I am glad he is back. Spider-Man 3 may have been a blender but it is Avi Arad's fault not Sam Raimi's. Spider-Man 3 was the best one yet.

Don Juan

This is TERRIBLE!!! Tobey was terrible, and he really doesn't fit the part. He was able to pull off Peter Parker in Spider-Man 1 because it was the origins and he had to be more geek than super-hero, but Spider-Man is a pretty good sized guy and gets the ladies. They need to re-cast so they can get someone who isn't such a dweeb and can actually deliver one of Spidey's infamous zinger's during battle scenes. I also don't know what villain you can really use over 2 movies, Venom's already been used, so has Doc. Oc. and 2 Green Goblins. Sandman could have been done over 2 movies if you included Hydro-Man and had the big ending be Muk-Man. But really, this is not good news for a failing franchise. People are going to be very hesitant to see this after the ABOMINATION that was Spidey 3. Honestly, re-cast and bring in Gwen Stacy! Good riddance to Kirsten Dunst, she was just as bad as Tobey.

The Other David

Um, gee, Josh. First you say the script to Spidey 3 was "horrible" and later you say you'd like the character to be recast because Toby "peaked" in Spidey 2. Couldn't the fact that he peaked in 2 be related to the fact that film 3's script was horrible? I don't recall seeing Toby's name in the writing credits for Spidey 3. Given the fact that the US economy is on the verge of collapse, are we really expected to feel happy that Toby will be earning another $50 million and, oh gee, he gets to spend time with his kids. Life is grand.

Billy

I won't even pay to see it in the theaters if Kirsten Dunst isn't in it..

Harlan

I think Tobey is great in teh "Spider-Man " films I hope if Kirsten returns her role will be limited. The films need to be more about spidey now. Cool off the romance a little, but keep it an underlying theme. I think Pete and Mj need a little time apart to grow and then come back together in Spidey 5 or later. I'd liek to see Pete date a new girl or Black Cat. Also let Spidey get off some zingers in the new films. He doesnt need to be sad peter parker anymore crying all the time. Let peter have some fun this time.; Now that he has gone through so much crap he needs to be confident- time to kick butt and take names- SPIDER-MAN!!! Sure of his powers and what he can do, and with the knowledge that "with great power comes great responsibility." It's time for Spidey to man up.

Josh Radde

The Other Dave--

What do you mean? He peaked in film 2. True. Film 3 sucked, largely due to the script. True. I don't get the point you're trying to make. And I'm not saying that Tobey deserves $50 million or even that I'd like to see him play Spider-man again, because I indicated a re-casting would work. I'm just saying he took advantage of a situation, and capitalized on the opportunity. THAT'S American economics my friend.

Blades

First off I agree that they should recast a new Spiderman or hell do a reboot all together.Tobey Mcguire CANNOT act for shit!I'm tired of all his dumbass facial expressions,its like he never puts in any effort in his dialogue.And besides Peter Parker is suppose to be more of a smartass whether his in costume or not and not some little bitch crying about his Uncle every 5 min.They could have done a better job of casting Mary Jane she's suppose to be fine ass hell and thick in all the right places and not Kristin's big apple headed ass.

Tobey Maguire Will Get $50M For Spiderman 4 and 5, Time Off To Be Daddy

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